Buying a wedding dress can be an arduous process. On average, a bride will view over 50 gowns, and try on about 8-10 before finding the perfect dress.

Knowing what suit you can make the experience of buying the wedding gown of your dreams considerably less painful. Trying on a dress that doesn't suit can cause an already bride to lose confidence.

COLOR

Although the traditional wedding gown is white, on closer examination you will find that many brides wear a variation on this classic colour. Most gowns are available in white, ivory, a light pink, or light peach. Try on a gown in each colour to determine which shade is best for your colouring.

According to Noy Pullen, wardrobe consultant and author of the book Colour Magic, there are approximately 40 different shades of white to choose from. And while a pure, snowy white has been synonymous with weddings for decades, at least 80% of brides do not actually look their best in this 'non-colour'.

As a guideline, Noy suggests that the future bride places two shades of the fabric on either side of her face, in order to compare the effect that they have on her complexion under natural light.

Cool complexions: Silver or blue whites often look beautiful on those with a fair skin and blue or green eyes. Blondes can wear white with a soft pink hue.

Warm complexions: Olive skins look lively and vibrant against ivory or champagne.

Dark complexions: pure snow-white often complements a dark skin best, but if the contrast is too dramatic for your taste, a soft warm white should be considered..

BODY TYPE

HOURGLASS – curvaceous
(For ideas, view GF Bridals Romantic Collection).

The objective is to strive for balance. Here's how:

• Avoid high waistlines and necklines.
• Emphasize a small waist with a fitted waistline.
• Soft gathered skirts disguise hips and draw attention to the waistline; A-line dresses also work well.
• Use details or embellishments wisely: bodice detail such as beading or lace will bring the eye upward and emphasize the upper body.
• Consider an open neckline to flatter the shoulder line and bring the eye upwards.
• Good boning incorporated into the design (see right) provides support while flatting a good bust.

RECTANGLE– tall and slender - assuming you want to disguise it!
(For ideas, view GF Bridals Elegant Collection)

Concentrate on details that avoid long vertical lines.

• Two piece outfits
• Detailed sleeves will draw the eye outward.
• An open neckline or off the shoulder look will broaden the shoulder line.
• A full skirt with horizontal details, for example horizontal ribbon trim from the waistline to the hem.
• Avoid high or drop waists, instead go with a fitted waist.
• Gathers on the waist to break the vertical line (See right)

TRIANGLE– lower body is wider than upper body.
(For ideas, view GF Bridal's Classic Collection)

The objective is to minimize lower body fullness and create the illusion of additional width in the upper body. Here's how:

• Create height with an elongated waistline.
• Wear full sleeves to create the appearance of wider shoulders.
• Full skirts hide heavy hips and legs.
• Draw the eye upward by selecting a decorative bodice or details at the neckline.
• Avoid bulky or straight skirts.
• Detail on the bodice (see right) draws the eye to your best assets.

REVERSE TRIANGLE– upper body is wider than the lower body.
(For ideas, view our Romantic Collection)

Objective is to emphasize the width of the lower body. Some ideas:

• A simple bodice will minimize the upper body width, so will unadorned sleeves.
• Avoid high necklines and narrow skirts.
• Choose a detailed skirt to draw the eye downward.
• Create additional height with an elongated waistline, for example, a drop waist.
• This elegant design (right) draws the eye down to emphasise a trim waist.

NECKLINES & BACKLINES

• Strapless outfits are traditional for weddings and may be straight across at the bust or may have a slight dip in the middle. They suit most brides but may not be suitable if you are uncomfortable showing too much of your shoulders, chest or upper arms. GF Bridal can personalize a strapless gown with shoestring straps, fichu (inset within a low cut dress) or lace to your taste.
• Low round or scooped necks will suit most brides and do not give too much prominence to any particular feature, therefore will not detract from a pretty face.
• A halterneck looks best on a bride with great shoulders, but may look unbalanced on a woman with a large bust.
• Queen Anne, or sweetheart necklines have a heart-shaped line at the bust and are great if you want to discreetly display a bit of cleavage.
• A V-neck can draw attention from a large bust as it guides the eye inwards and down the midline of the dress
• A high round neck or slash-neck dress will look best on a bride with a small bust and both are good if the bride doesn't wish to show too much of her chest.
• Square necklines will suit most brides, the shape is created where the neckline comes across in a straight line between the straps of the dress.
• Asymmetric necklines, where the dress has a single strap or irregular shaping are also becoming more popular in line with current fashion trends.

Keep in mind that during the ceremony, your guests will mainly see the back of your gown, so be sure you like that as well as the front! Traditional wedding dresses have satin-covered buttons, or are laced.

Are you concerned about what to wear underneath that strapless or deep-plunging backline? All GF Bridal gown are boned for built-in, invisible support and a great cleavage – there is no need to wear a bra no matter what your cup size.

TRAINS

Trains come in varying lengths and styles; the shortest is a sweep or duster train, these extend no more than 50cm from the hem of the dress and are the easiest to manage. A chapel length train is usually around a metre in length and cathedral length can stretch out for two metres or more.

OTHER FIGURE-FLATTERING TRICKS

If you want to:

• Appear taller: High neckline, empire waist, short-sleeved or sleeveless dress with gloves.
• Appear slender: High waistlines such as princess style or A-line; utilize vertical lines in fabric or trim details; scoop necks are also effective. Avoid ruffles, puffy sleeves and shiney fabrics.
• Disguise a tummy: A high waist or empire line is your best bet. Steer clear of those that come to point in the waist, as it may not lie flat and could have a shortening effect
• Top heavy: A simple style with no collar and a scooped neckline, is best. Once again, stay away from shiny material on the bodice. A dress with Juliet sleeves, which is fitted in the waist and flared from waist to toe will create a flattering impression.
• De-emphasize the bust line: Scoop necks, high necklines and v-necks. Avoid empire or cinched waists.
• De-emphasize height: Length can be broken by having a separate bodice and skirt, a dropped waistline will create a sense of balance and proportion, while fullness or wideness can be added to skirt. Fairytale-style ballroom gowns are perfect for taller girls. Waistline adornments like gathers (see right) are idea.